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We have already seen from all of the models that we have reviewed on this website that there is a huge range of balance bikes that vary in style, tyre size, frame structure and many other variables.

However, probably the most important factor to consider when you are choosing the best balance bike is the saddle height.

If you get this wrong, then your child is going to have problems getting on and off their bike and won’t be comfortable during their ride. This might mean they become reluctant to use the bike and they miss out on the freedom and excitement that a balance bike can bring!

How to choose the correct saddle height

The first thing you will need to do is to accurately obtain the inside leg measurement of the child for whom you are buying the bike. You can do this by standing the child with their feet flat on the floor (with no shoes). Then place an object (such as a book or magazine) between their legs as high as comfortable, and when they step away measure how high this is from the ground.

You will then need to compare this measurement with the minimum saddle height of the balance bikes that you are looking at.

The critical thing to consider is that when you are comparing the inside leg measurement of your child with the balance bike, make sure that the minimum saddle height is around 2.5cm – 3cm less than their inside leg.

This sentence is in bold because it is probably the most important thing we have written this entire website!

If you get this measurement correct, the child will be able to get on to the bike easily and they should be able to get their feet flat on the floor. This will allow them to propel the bike along and use their feet to stop when necessary.

Saddle Height Guide

We have prepared this useful guide below to provide a starting point to finding the bike with the best saddle height for your child.

The table also provides links to our full guides for choosing balance bikes for each age group. Although the saddle height is crucially important, there are plenty of other factors to consider!

It is also worth noting that every child is different, so different bikes will suit different children. However, the relationship between the inside leg measurement and the minimum saddle height should never change!

Adjustable saddles

Almost all balance bikes come with an adjustable seat, and they will advertise the range of heights available.

We have made an effort to highlight the saddle height ranges on our reviews of each model, and the lowest saddle height provides a good indication of the most suitable age range for the bike.

You will find that metal balance bikes have a larger range of heights than wooden balance bikes, and some bikes such as the Strider Classic have a large range of heights between 29cm and 40cm.

This means that a good quality bike with a large range of heights can grow with your child, and once they have mastered the concept of balance and steering it should see them all the way through to a ‘proper’ pedal bike. The Strider Classic also offers adjustable handlebars and an extendable seat post.

We hope you found this guide to balance bike saddle heights useful and good luck in choosing the best balance bike for your child!

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Although there are some excellent wooden balance bikes available from manufacturers such as Kiddimoto, Boppi and Prince Lionheart – the majority of balance bikes on the market today are made from metal, and a large number of those are made from lightweight steel.

Advantages of Steel Balance Bikes

The technology used to create balance bikes is very advanced, so this means that steel balance bikes can be tough, lightweight and can take most of the knocks that a 2, 3 or 4 year old can throw at them!

Steel balance bikes are welded together to form the main frame of the bike, and this is then enhanced with extra features with saddles, handlebars and the various types of tyres that are available.

Steel balance bikes are much closer in appearance to a real bike than wooden balance bikes, and they can also be painted in many different colours, so there is a huge range available from bright pink to oasis blue and stylish red or green.

Another benefit of steel balance bikes is that they are usually more adjustable than wooden balance bikes. This means that a good steel balance bike should be able to last your child from learning to ride until when they are ready to graduate to a pedal bike.

Steel balance bikes are also usually able to accommodate heavier riders than aluminium bikes, so once again if you choose a bike with a large range of saddle heights it should take them from learning to ride at 2 or 3 through to a much larger bike.

Disadvantages of Steel Balance Bikes

Steel balance bikes do have some disadvantages. They are not as environmentally friendly as wooden balance bikes which are usually made from materials such as recycled birch plywood.

Additionally, if you get a chip in your bike it could turn to rust over time. However, they should not rust over the course of their lifetime, unless they are left out in the rain – which we would not recommend!

Finally, although steel balance bikes closely resemble ‘real bikes’ in appearance, they cannot be painted in quite such a large range of funky patterns and styles like the Kiddimoto range of bikes. This is not really a disadvantage, just one of the differences between the types of bikes.

Product reviews

There is a huge range of steel balance bikes available so it is impossible to review them all here. However, we have selected 3 bikes at different budgets to give you an idea of the range of bikes available.

Boppi Metal Balance Bike

Strider Classic Balance Bike

Weeride Deluxe Balance Bike

These are just a selection of the many steel balance bikes available, with other excellent options also available from Puky, Bike Star and Specialized to name just a few.

You should also make sure that your bike has the correct fit for your child, and don’t forget about other essential accessories such as selection a balance bike helmet.

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Balance bikes are so popular now that you will see both boys and girls whizzing around as they learn to balance, steer and brake before graduating to a proper pedal bicycle.

Most balance bikes are unisex in design, although almost all of the main manufacturers will offer their most popular models in a range of colours.

We have already covered pink balance bikes, which will probably appeal to the girls in your family, so if you are looking for a boys balance bike then you will most likely be looking for a bike with a bright red or blue colour, or one with a funky or sporty design.

Best Boys Balance Bikes

Best bikes for 2-3 year old boys

Sporty Boys Balance Bike

There is a great range of sporty balance bikes available which will be ideal for the little boy in your family.

You could choose a BMX style bike such as the Chillafish BMXie, or one of the bikes we have featured in our article on motorbike balance bikes.

However, our favourite sporty boys balance bike is the Strider Sport, which is ultralight and has an adjustable saddle from 29cm – 41cm so it is suitable for all ages.

Best Cheap Boys Balance Bike

We have made some recommendations in our post on best cheap balance bikes, and all of these bikes are suitable for both boys and girls.

There are some great value bikes with both wooden and metal frames available between £30 and £40, but perhaps our favourite is the Banana balance bike.

Best Wooden Boys Balance Bike

Wooden balance bikes can be painted in all sorts of fun and funky designs, and we think that little boys will love the range of Kiddimoto Kurve balance bikes!

These bikes are most suitable for 3 year olds and upwards, and are available in a number of exciting designs including Police (pictured below), Fire and Union Jack.

Best Balance Bike for Older Boys

Slighty higher up the price range is the Adventure Zooom balance bike.

This bike has an aluminium frame and a range of quality features coupled with a sleek and stylish design.

This is a just a small selection of the huge number of balance bikes that are available for boys of all ages from 18 months up to the age of 11 or 12, so with such a great choice you should be able to find the best boys balance bike!